Dry Eye Treatment
While dry eye isn’t always a serious medical condition, it can have a major impact on your comfort and quality of life. Many patients with dry eye experience burning, stinging, tired eyes, blurred vision, or difficulty reading and using digital devices. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help restore comfort and protect eye health.
At Coachella Valley Optometry, we provide personalized dry eye evaluations and treatments for patients throughout Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears lack the proper balance of oil, water, and mucus. Healthy tears are essential, they wash away debris, protect against infection, and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear.
Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition, especially among older adults, contact lens wearers, and people who spend long hours on screens.
Self-Care for Mild Dry Eye
Some cases of dry eye can be managed with simple lifestyle changes, such as:
- Blinking more often when reading or working on a computer
- Using a humidifier to maintain healthy moisture levels in the air
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors to reduce wind and sun exposure
- Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support tear production
- Staying hydrated with 8–10 glasses of water per day
- Talking with your doctor if a medication may be contributing to dry eye
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
If self-care isn’t enough, our eye doctors may recommend one of several treatments depending on your symptoms and the underlying cause of your condition.
Artificial Tears
- Low viscosity drops: Watery, quick relief with little or no vision blur; may require frequent use.
- High viscosity drops: Thicker gel-like drops that provide longer relief, often used at night.
Prescription Treatments
- Specialty contact lenses: Scleral or bandage lenses that hold moisture against the eye surface.
- Antibiotics: To reduce eyelid inflammation and help oil glands function properly.
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops: Such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or corticosteroids.
- Eye inserts: Small dissolvable inserts (Lacrisert) that release lubricating substances throughout the day.
- Tear-stimulating medications: Available as drops, gels, or oral medications.
- Autologous serum drops: Custom drops made from a patient’s own blood for severe cases.
In-Office Procedures
- Punctal plugs: Tiny silicone plugs that slow tear drainage and keep eyes moist longer.
- LipiFlow® thermal pulsation: A device that gently massages the eyelids to unblock oil glands.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: Light pulses that liquefy and release blocked oils from eyelid glands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry eye curable?
Dry eye is often a chronic condition, but treatments can manage symptoms and greatly improve comfort.
What causes dry eye?
Aging, long hours on digital devices, contact lens use, medications, autoimmune conditions, and environmental factors can all contribute.
When should I see an eye doctor for dry eye?
If dry eye symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily activities, or do not improve with artificial tears, it’s time to schedule an exam.
Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation Today
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of dry eye. At Coachella Valley Optometry, our doctors provide advanced diagnostic testing and treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Schedule your appointment today at our offices in Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, or Palm Springs, CA and find relief from dry eye symptoms.
© 2025. All rights Reserved. Accessibility Statement - Privacy Policy - Sitemap
Managed and Designed by:
